Sylvia rubbed at her brow. The debate, though lacking raging tempers or blustering voices, had created a growing throb in her head. Crown appointed Protectorate Lord Keefe Gannonson disagreed once again with Master of the Household, Colwyn, and Mistress of the Household, Nyla. ?Yes, I understand the grief of the people is still fresh, but I ask you again, how better to honor Kieran than by celebrating the harvest to its fullest, including the play and banners, to mark his courage and sacrifice??

Nyla?s thin mouth nearly disappeared entirely she pressed her lips so firmly together. The words managed to rasp past that closure, ?My lord, you are unfamiliar with the people of this city and this barony. There will be none who will wish to join in the entertainments you suggest.?

?They will if they are guided by example,? he cast a look to Sylvia.

She had stayed silent through the entire meeting. She looked upon Keefe and schooled her expression into complacency. He was of a same age as Kieran, tall of stature and broad of shoulder. In fact, he was considered by most to be a handsome man, which was thought something of a miracle as his brothers and sisters had not been as fortunate. Two of them had come with him to Seansloe manor. Neither spoke much, but they were pleasant, quiet company. Keefe, too, had a pleasant manner about him, and yet Sylvia felt he kept most of his thoughts to himself.

His entire disposition was not unexpected, for those who knew subtle ways, were keen of mind, and were pleasantly featured often found favor in the King?s eyes. King Rhodri was not an idiot, and his family had not ruled Palendies for many years, through civil strife and feudal wars without knowing who to elevate and who to set down, and all the while be well considered family among the populace. Other countries of The Seven Nations were not so fortunate.

So here Sylvia sat in conference with one of the King?s favored courtiers, a man of some land of his own in the far west of the barony, and debated the Harvest Festival. ?Very well, Lord Gannonson,? Sylvia rose slowly, ?I will play my part as well my children in the festivities. As you say, what better way to honor their father than to continue with the traditions of their people??

All three stood when she did, though of Keefe the motion was not required and, therefore, unexpected. He bowed to her, ?Thank you, Your Excellency. I will take on the task of the celebrations myself if you wish.?

?No,? she spoke with a hint of sharpness. ?No, it is my place.? In an attempt to soften her abruptness, she attempted a smile, ?There are many people who do the majority of the work, mostly I simply start the process and answer questions.?

Both Colwyn and Nyla opened their mouths to protest, knowing full well how much the Baroness took of her time to help with the preparations, but she cut them off with a swift lifting of her hand. ?In addition, I want to be sure Kieran?s death is remembered accurately, and without further harm to Master Corinsson or his family. I anticipate his arrival soon with his betrothed and her son. It will be in the best interest of everyone to treat him well.?

It was a warning and a threat, and Sylvia was going to make sure that anyone who failed Ewan in comradeship or understanding would feel the fullness of her displeasure. That was communicated well in her look before she turned for the door and walked out.

Gaerwyn hooked an arm around Gaer?s middle to capture him. The young boy had started to run too far away. ?Hold there, lad, wait for the rest of us.?

Gaer squirmed a few moments more then hung as dead weight on his father?s arm. Lina and Lenika, holding hands, strolled leisurely some paces behind. The cool air coasting in from the sea played in their hair. ?Hurry up, Lina,? Gaer commanded, ?I want to see the ship!?

?It isn?t going away without Papa, Gaer,? Lina sniffed.

?Actually, Gaer, we have a stop before we go see the ship, but the ladies must be present.? Gaerwyn shared his grin between his daughter and the blue eyed Lenika.

One elegant brow rose as Lenika eyed Gaerwyn suspiciously. She asked Lina, ?What do you think that could be??

Lina hid her giggling smile by tucking her head towards one should. ?I don?t know.?

Lenika gave the young girl?s hand a squeeze. ?I suppose we will have to find out.?

As the group moved down the street , Gaerwyn set down his son to allow him to walk again. The effect of the mysterious stop was what Gaerwyn hoped. Lina had added a little more speed to her step, and Lenika obliged the curious girl?s pace. As acknowledging nods were exchanged on their way, or the few stinging glances avoided, they arrived into the shopping district near Market Square.

Gaerwyn led them down one of the fashionable streets lined with modest but well known shops and turned to open the door to The Glorious Garment. ?Captain Caisson, a pleasure to see you,? Mistress Saraid Ardals greeted with a smile. ?Everything is ready.?

?Just what is this about, Gaerwyn?? Lenika asked.

It was Mistress Saraid that answered with a smile as she ushered Lenika and Lina further in the shop, ?Harvest Festival gowns, my lady. It is but two days away, and we must work quickly to see you two properly fitted with gowns of the perfect shades.?

Lina bounced to her toes in excitement. Gaerwyn took Gaer?s hand and bowed out of the shop with a mischievous grin, ?Have fun, ladies.?

?We shall spare nothing to see them pleased, Captain,? Mistress Saraid called as she and her assistants began their venture.

?Gaerwyn, you cannot be serious,? Ewan nudged his cousin with a toe as the man was retying the lacings of his boot. ?You will strain your back.?

Hands brushed lightly over his pants to rid it of the dust and grass of the field, ?What?s that?? Gaerwyn goaded his cousin good naturedly in return. ?Afraid I might beat you in the caber toss??

?Not in all our years have you beaten me, old man. Whom are you trying to impress?? A casual lean back against the railings of the field, dark green eyes looking over the landscape of the games arena.

Gaerwyn did not reply, but also looked over the field for any spots that might cause trouble in the footing. He also looked over the long wooden poles he was meant to toss end over and end and land as close to perpendicular to the foot line as he could.

Inspecting his cousin now more than the field, Ewan crouched down and gathered up some dirt to rub in his palms to be sure of a clean grip on the caber. ?Lenika does not need such showing off, Gaerwyn.? The tone of his voice changed from gentle ribbing to sincerity.

?No, but it might not hurt to let my son see his father compete and show good sportsmanship when I lose.? Gaerwyn laughed and his ocean blue eyes sparkled, but there was a flush to his cheeks that had nothing to do with losing. He, too, took the moment to speak more sincerely, ?No, Lenika doesn?t need me showing off, nor hurting myself. She?s a fine woman, Ewan.? He paused and shifted from one foot to another as he tossed the words about in his mind. ?I plan to court her and ask to write her family tonight.?

Ewan stood with a slow breath silently released all the way to standing. ?I see.?

?You think it too soon.? It was more accusatory than a question.

?Too soon for whom? For you? For her?? Ewan shook his head, the rusty blonde hair loose at the bottom but the front tied back from his eyes. ?No one outside of the relationship has any knowing of that. Time is something we have set upon ourselves. For some it takes years and for others the right brief moments.?

A skeptical smirk as Gaerwyn started to walk towards the line of those to test their skill with the cabers, ?Is that what you think of those in Rhydin??

Ewan lifted a finger in visual queue of a point, ?Now that is distinctly different, cousin. Many of those marry, unmarry, marry, and unmarry within weeks? time. And death there is so rarely a permanent fixture that there is a manic parade of spouses and ex spouses.?

A wince at the harshness, ?Tongue like a dagger, you have there, Ewan. It?s interesting that more of that lot haven?t set you on your ear.?

?Because I do not speak my opinion there. For my opinion is worth little to those of which it might offend. Why waste the breath? Let them live as they wish, and it does me no harm.? Ewan and Gaerwyn shared a sympathetic expression. A call and Ewan nudged Gaerwyn with a light push to his shoulder, ?You are called, old man. Do not strain something or you will not be dancing with Lenika this evening.?

Gaerwyn shoved back and moved to those that helped take up the caber. Ewan saw the twinge at the corners of his cousin?s eyes as the man balanced and situated the end of the caber in his hands and sighed with a thought to the foolishness of men. He cast a glance to the sidelines where the family and the near family were gathered to watch the competition with their array of smiles. High spirits of enjoyment surrounded the ring, but it was just there, where those he loved were gathered, that brought out his true, free smile.